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Anger was in the air at a massive rally Monday at Queen's Park against the province's decision to close border-city racetrack slot mini-casinos.

More than 1,000 people gathered to demand the province back off the OLG's Slots-at-Racetracks program. About 20 Sarnia-Lambton residents rode to the rally on a bus organized by the Lambton Federation of Agriculture.

"There was a lot of angry people there, and they're mad for good reason," said Joe Dickenson, a director with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. "They had an agreement with the province and the province has reneged on that agreement and has changed the wording to make it like a subsidy. It's not."

The province plans to end its existing revenue-sharing program. Industry experts fear the financial losses may spell the end of the sport in the province.

The Liberal government recently announced the closing of racetrack slots in Sarnia, Windsor and Fort Erie.

More than 140 Sarnia workers will be out of jobs when Hiawatha Slots closes April 30.

Dickenson, an Oil Springs beef and cash crop farmer, said the issue doesn't only affect the horse-racing industry. It encompasses rural Ontario as a whole, he said.

"We also have members who supply this industry with feed for the animals and sometimes with breeding stock," said Dickenson.

Members of the horse-racing industry were buoyed by the presence of political support at the Monday rally. About 20 MPPs showed up, including Sarnia-Lambton's Bob Bailey.

"That's vital to have the support of our local MPP," said Peter Core, a Sarnia horseman and vice president of the Ontario Harness Horse Association.

However, Core isn't sure if there is enough pressure on the government yet.

"I don't think they really understand the impact this decision makes," he said. "Where (the government) is headed is going to cost them money, not make them money."

Up to 60,000 people are employed either directly or indirectly by the horse-racing industry. The Ontario government takes in $1.1 billion in revenue from racetrack slot machines. Dickenson said the decision ultimately rests with Queen's Park.

"It's very reassuring to see the support, but it will be even more reassuring if we see it backed up," he added.